| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
hold on [həʊld ɒn] | to wait or pause |
Other meanings
- to grasp or grip something tightly
- to persist or not give up
- to keep something (informally: “Hold on to it.”)
- to stay strong emotionally or physically
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "hold on"
- Hold on, I’ll be right back.
Hold on, I’ll be right back. - She held on to the rope tightly.
Sheheld on to the rope tightly. - Hold on—don’t give up now!
Hold on—don’t give up now! - Just hold on a little longer.
Justhold on a little longer. - Hold on to that idea.
Hold on to that idea.
Features of Using "hold on"
Common in phone conversations (“Hold on a second”).
Often used figuratively for perseverance or resilience.
Can be both physical and emotional.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb hold
hold behind
to keep someone back from moving forward
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb hold, including its forms and usage.